Blogs

Blogs are an essential part of maintaining a strong web presence. Exactly what makes up a blog can vary – it could be recent news, or industry tips, upcoming events, etc. It doesn't matter what you end up calling it, but the purpose is offering content that:

Updates frequently

Offers value to your readers

Allows for user feedback

The New Online Marketing

Hoarding information and being secretive doesn't work anymore. It doesn't help your business to keep things to yourself. Today's world is all about sharing. A blog enables you do this, and it's a format that everyone seems to understand. Essentially, you write articles, promote them, and allow others to share their opinions with you. Some people might think this hurts their competitiveness, or gives secrets away to their competition. But customers are surfing the web, looking for information, and then deciding who to use. Keeping your 'cards close to your chest' only means that no one know about you. They find someone else who is sharing info. And they choose them instead of you.

Consider the benefits:

Increased content for search engines to find and index, on a variety of subjects

Interacting with your audience, starting a dialog

Establishing yourself as the expert in your field

Increased traffic and increased traffic leads to more conversions

Blogs can be promoted through RSS Feeds, Email Marketing, and social media such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn. Blogs do require time– plan on dedicating time to your blog each month, writing new articles and promoting them. I know firsthand, with my own blog. Building your audience takes time. But the benefits are many.